Meet our new supported interns
Supported internships are tailored study programmes designed for young people aged 16 to 24 who have a learning disability or special educational need. These internships provide personalised support in the workplace, helping learners gain confidence, master their roles, and develop the skills and experience needed to transition into paid employment.
"I'm enjoying my role," says one student. "I want experience because I want to be a tree surgeon!"
Another intern shared her enthusiasm for her placement at a local nursery: "I feel like a kid again when I'm there," she says. "It's a bit scary at first because you don't know if you're going to like it, but it's quite an understanding workplace."
Leanne Ord, the programme's tutor, is already impressed by the new cohort. "I'm incredibly proud of our Supported Interns," she says. "Each student brings unique strengths and aspirations, and it's inspiring to watch them grow in confidence as they gain real-world experience. This programme is all about unlocking potential, and I'm excited to support them every step of the way."
"We are excited to welcome our new interns to the Supported Internship programme", says Curriculum Manager Chiara Arighi. "We look forward to working with them over the course of the year to support them in developing their workplace skills to prepare them to take their next steps into paid employment. The Supported Internship programme gives young people the opportunity to experience a range of workplace environments within Gateshead Council and other Partner Organisations such as GLL and the Kittiwake Trust to support the development of essential workplace skills and future paid employment."
Learning and Skills are now recruiting for their next cohort of supported interns starting in September 2026. For more information and details of how you can sign up, visit Supported internships , email [email protected] or phone 0191 433 8646.